Jozy Altidore (c): Adam Johnson has praised the work ethic of Sunderland striker

The American has only found the target once in the league this season, but Johnson believes the powerful forward's goal tally is irrelevant if he continues to contribute in other areas.

The in-form wide-man felt the 24-year-old was unplayable in their 3-0 victory over local rivals Newcastle last Saturday.

Johnson told the Daily Express: "If you play like that as a striker but you don't score goals, to be honest it doesn't really matter, because the amount of chances he created for us, his team-mates and his work-rate, tells its own story.

"I said to him 'If you keep playing like that, getting into great positions and playing well then the goals will come.

"It is when you are not playing well that the goals never happen and you won't score."

Johnson also praised the influence the new management of Gus Poyet and his coaches have made on Altidore and the rest of the team.

He added: "All the staff have given us so much confidence and you can see it in Jozy.